Getting back up again

Originally posted on January 21, 2016 on my Instagram account:

My day started out taking a classic Lizzie tumble down these lovely stairs. In the instant moment of pain I wanted to cry and quit and climb back up the stairs to get back in bed. But something inside of me whispered "Take a deep breath. Assess the damage. Care for the wounds properly, and keep walking out that door!" Thank the Lord- nothing broken or sprained, just bruised up pretty badly and starting to feel that second-day "Ouch! I fell on THAT too?!"

But here are some reflections from my day today:

1) This "event" that caused me so much pain turned into such a sweet blessing as I went to my doctor's place and she shared her personal testimony with me and we reminisced on how much the Lord has worked in and through my life from when I first got here to Mexico almost 3 years ago! It was such a beautiful reminder of all the unexpected blessings we will encounter if we let the Lord work through us and in our hearts even through the greatest pains!

2) Today was a good reflection of how I feel at times lately. Some days are much harder than others in the sense that I don't want to go and "confront" my pain and I would of course love to stay in my "comfort place." But the Lord has implanted a strength in me these past few weeks that truly comes only from Him. He has lifted me up and pushed me on even in those moments of wanting to turn around and not "have to deal" with things. Yet I am so thankful the Lord continues to push me and hold me up and say "Keep moving forward!"

3) I most likely fell this morning because I was in a hurry and carrying too many things. These "injuries" will definitely slow me down these next few days, but I am humbly realizing this is something I have needed deeply since being back. To slow down, rest, and "let myself heal". It's so easy as a missionary to give all of your time and emotions to the ministries in which your serving. But there is a certain point where you have to slow down and take care of yourself first if you truly want to be effective and fruitful in ministry, working more out of the Lord rather than your own strength. So humbly I am submitting myself to this rest this weekend, expectantly waiting on my Jehovah-Rapha.